Were you aware that winterizing your plumbing system is nearly free and can save you potentially thousands of dollars of repairs. If this advice sounds appealing to you, then be sure to check out more of the expert advice given in this article. You will be much happier than if you have to deal with a water crisis during the middle of winter.
Some of the top Clayton plumbing companies have a few great reacomendations below. If your pipes make squeaking and hammering noises, it may be very simple to fix. Exposed pipes need to be anchored. You may need the assistance of a professional in the case that the pipes are contained within a floor or ceiling.
Before starting any plumbing project be sure to turn off the main water supply. Water damage can be one of the most expensive things to repair. To minimize damage turn the main water supply off as well as any shut off valves near where you are working. This will save a great deal of hardship later on.
To avoid clogs, pay attention to what you flush. Sanitary napkins, thick toilet paper and baby wipes should never be flushed. These items could expand and cause a clog, or get caught on a pipe. Instead, dispose of them in a sanitary way that does not involve flushing them down the toilet.
Look closely at your toilets several times throughout the year. Check to see if there are any leaks that you might not have noticed; you can do this by placing five or six drops of food coloring in the tank. If there is a leak, the color will seep into the bowl within half an hour. This process will help you catch a small problem before it gets too out of control.
Routinely check your appliance connections and faucets they really could lead to damage to your home or even the development of harmful molds.
Make sure you clean out overflow holes in your kitchen and bathroom sinks on a regular basis. These holes are intended to act as an emergency fail-safe to prevent spillage from a full sink, but if they are clogged they can't do their job. You can clean out an overflow hole using the same techniques you would for a clogged drain.
You can check your toilet for leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring, Kool Aid or some coffee grounds to the water in the toilet's tank (not the water in the bowl). Check the water in the bowl after about a half hour. If any of the coloring agent is visible in the water in the bowl, the tank is leaking, and you will have to have it repaired.
While it may seem like a seemingly harmless thing to do, never run potato peels through your garbage disposal. The chemical make up of this seemingly harmless food allows the potato to turn into a thick, viscous substance that can wreak havoc on the disposal itself, with the potential to render it completely useless.
Set the temperature on your hot water heater to a temperature that doesn't exceed 120 degrees. This helps to save energy and prevents the water from becoming too hot and potentially scalding someone in your household. Older models that do not have a temperature setting should be set on Medium.
Always remember to keep your dryer's lint trap clean. This is preventative maintenance that should prevent many problems, including fires. Search the lint trap to see if there are any tears or holes, this helps to prevent lint from getting into the pipes, which can cause clogs and many other problems.
Before the cold season hits, check out the condition of your gutters on the roof of your house. Remove all debris, leaves and branches so that you can have a smooth flow of water and easy drainage. Care taking in advance will help to prevent serious issues with plumbing down the road.
In conclusion, nobody wants to be caught off guard with plumbing issues especially in the cold of winter. Using the great advice in this article for some of the best ways to prevent pluming issues and stop them once they have started. Ideally, you will be able to understand the concepts provided here well enough to pass on to others.